Maxx Crosby of the Raiders.
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The Detroit Lions may have found the next Maxx Crosby, and just in time, since Crosby's situation is complicated.
The Detroit Lions need help when it comes to the team’s edge depth, but they have for years, and it’s not something that appears to concern general manager Brad Holmes. But, as the clock ticks closer to the 2026-27 season, it’s becoming clearer that the Detroit Lions truly need to bring in some defensive end assistance to complement Aidan Hutchinson.
The need was further highlighted during the offseason, when Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Lions were one of the teams supposedly interested. But, Crosby is off the table, at least for now, and let’s just admit that Holmes likely wouldn’t have been interested in paying that kind of bag to get him, anyway.
So, the Detroit Lions are left with some holes in their lineup going into the 2026-27 season, and one of those is at defensive end. But, the 2026 NFL draft is just around the corner in April, and it’s a time when teams, such as the Lions, can get fresh talent at a rookie rate. Now, they may have found an apt edge in this class.
Detroit Lions Could Have an Answer to Their Pass Rusher Dilemma for the 2026-27 Season
In a Tuesday, March 24, feature for ESPN, NFL expert Field Yates gives his selections for which players will go to which teams in the NFL draft.
“We still have a long road ahead, with pro days just starting up around the country,” Yates says in the feature, which covers two rounds. “But for now, it’s safe to make some predictions for the first two rounds based on team needs, my personal rankings and what I’m hearing from people around the league.” He also factors in recent free agency and trade moves to his picks.
The Lions’ first pick is the No. 17 pick, and Yates sees them going with Kadyn Proctor, offensive tackle, out of Alabama. “Left tackle is a sizable need for Detroit with the departure of Taylor Decker after 10 seasons,” he notes.
But, for the team’s No. 50 pick, he thinks they’ll go with an edge: Gabe Jacas out of Illinois. Perhaps Jacas could be the next Maxx Crosby.
“Certain players just look like they’d fit in coach Dan Campbell’s program — and Jacas is one of them. He’s a hard-nosed rusher with heavy hands and a dedication to defending the run with 21 run stuffs over the past two seasons,” he states in the piece. “The Lions must continue to stockpile young rushers to complement Aidan Hutchinson.”
Young Defensive End Will Have a ‘Long Career as an NFL Starter’
Jacas’ NFL draft profile sings his praises, stating that he’s “well-built with tremendous play strength and the ability to play as a hand-down end or a stand-up edge. He’s more rugged than explosive and twitchy.”
The profile adds, “He can hold his ground against power but needs to do a better job of playing with discipline to set and contain his edge. Jacas’ pass-rush plan lacks creativity but features a good deal of force and leg drive to bully his way into the pocket once he opens the tackle’s edge.”
On the downside, his profile adds that Jacas’ “play is more steak than sizzle with average sack production expected, but his field demeanor and play strength foreshadow a long career as an NFL starter.”
We love hearing that he’ll have a “long career” as a starter. That’s exactly what the Detroit Lions need.